From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
 
Bangalore, Oct 10: Shortage of qualified veterinary doctors and absence of universal vaccination led to widespread outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in few districts of Karnataka.

With the outbreak of FMD and the consequent death of a large number of cattle, which has seriously affected the dairy farming community,  Animal Husbandry Minister T B Jayachandra said 950 veterinary doctors’ posts are vacant in the department.

Jayachandra, who is also in charge of the Law and Parliamentary Affairs Department, barely 200 veterinary doctors were discharging duties in the department.

However, the State Government was taking steps to control the disease, Jayachandra told reporters in Bangalore on Thursday.

The FMD had claimed 2332 head of cattle in the State and 18,386 animals were infected with the disease which spread to 1507 villages.

As many as 26 veterinary doctors, who were on deputation to other departments, have been directed to return to the parent department, he said.

A decision has been taken to hire services of retired veterinary doctors to inject vaccination to cows, the Minister said.

Many cows died due to the viral infection.

As a preventive measure, cattle have to be vaccinated twice a year.

The disease affects high yielding cattle, particularly hybrid variety, he explained.
 

Compensation of Rs 10,000 Each
 
Apart from forming teams of experts to check the spread of the FMD, Jayachnadra said vaccination progamme would be taken on pulse polio mode.

With the outbreak of FMD getting confirmed in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, he said entry of cattle (cows, bulls, and buffaloes) from other states has been regulated, he said.

Asked about payment of compensation, he said the milk unions have decided to grant compensation of Rs 10,000 for those families who had lost their cows due to the disease.

Farners, who are members of milk societies, are eligible to receive compensation from milk unions and KMF.

The State Government’s share would be decided after consultations in the cabinet meeting to be held on Friday, he said.
 

Admissions to 3 Veterinary Colleges
 
The State Government will issue a notification on Friday for admissions for undergraduate courses in Government Veterinary Colleges of Bidar, Hassan and Shimoga in the current academic year (2013-14), the minister said.

The Veterinary Council of India (VCI) has granted permission for admission of students in three veterinary colleges this year, Jayachandra said.

He said the State Government has to release of Rs 138 crore and Rs 136 crore, respectively for Shimoga and Hassan colleges for developing infrastructure.

The VCI has declined to grant permission to government colleges citing lack of adequate infrastructure. Intake of each college is 60 students, he added.